Plus pick: Orissa

The latest addition to Bhubaneswar's gamut of hotels, Ginger Bhubaneswar is perhaps the best choice for business travellers.

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August 10, 2010

UPDATED: October 8, 2010 17:48 IST

StayGinger BhubaneswarThe latest addition to Bhubaneswar's gamut of hotels, Ginger Bhubaneswar is perhaps the best choice for business travellers. It is also the best budget hotel in the city and has 101 smart and basic rooms with all the modern facilities. Apart from that the hotel has meeting rooms, a gym, state-of-the-art self check-in kiosk, all geared to make your stay comfortable. And the location makes navigating the city easy. Visit www.gingerhotels.com

Toshali Sands, PuriWhen the address you're heading to is 'by the sea', you know you've booked the right place. Toshali Sands is one of the oldest, and still few, resort-style hotels in the state, spread across 30 acres of beautiful greenery, and with its own private beach. In one of its 50 cottages, you can sit out on your private verandah and smell the roses in your exclusive garden. Ideal for the lazy traveller. By the sea, Puri.Tel: (06752) 250 571-3

Forest Resthouse, SimlipalIn the deep recesses of Simlipal forests, this resthouse may not offer five star luxuries, but its location more than makes up for it. Nestling amidst tall trees, the wonders of the dense Simlipal forest is at your doorstep here, so if you are a nature lover this is your address. For bookings contact: The Field Director, Simlipal Tiger Reserve, Baripada.Tel: (06792) 252 593

EatDalmaYou don't have to try hard to find this one. Made out of pulses, various kinds of healthy vegetables such as pumpkin, eggplant and cauliflower, and spiced with ginger and panch phoron (a special spice powder that is a mix of aniseed, fenugreek, two types of cumin and mustard), Dalma is eaten regularly at typical Oriya households. Try dalma at Dalma, a simple, small eatery in Old Bhubaneswar Machha GhantaDon't get misled by that rather amusing name or the baleful fish's head staring back at you from the plate will give a nasty shock. Much like the Bengali muri ghonto, this one is fish's head cooked with rice, potatoes, onion, garlic and other spices. The fish is fried separately, and then fried again with rice--absolutely sinful! Not widely available in restaurants, try this with any locals you befriend

Mahaprasad, Jagannath TempleIf over 400 cooks prepare something everyday, it has to be special. Add to it the fact that this food is cooked for none other than Lord Jagannath and you don't need any more reasons to try the much blessed mahaprasad--rice, dal, vegetables, sweet--that is cooked in the temple kitchen over wood fire in earthen pots, and has a special flavour. Buy at Anand Bazaar on the premises of Jagannath Temple

ShopAppliqueYou can call this the French connection, though the once you visit the unassuming village of Pipli, most closely associated with appliquÅ work in Orissa, we doubt if those words will come to your mind. Also called pipliwork, this traditional Oriya handicraft comes in bold, colourful patterns, usually with flower, bird and animals motif. While the largest number of applique craftsmen are in Pipli, 44 km from Konark, there are many in Puri too

Sambalpur SarisReturning from Orissa without one of these in your bag is like coming away from Agra without seeing the Taj. Well, almost. The trademark double ikat designs of the cotton sarees of Sambalpur can be bought in any state emporium, but for the largest and most unique collection, visit the source itself. 77 km from Bhubaneswar, shop at local markets such as the Gole Bazaar

Adivasi jewellerySilver filigree work along with the tribal jewellery of Orissa has been a specialty for ages. Cuttack is the main hub for filigree work, or tarkasi, as it is locally known. This form of silver jewellery originated in Orissa from where it has spread to other areas. The best of designs of folk jewellery can be seen on nose rings, mayurpankhi is a popular design.

SeeBhitarkanikaThe second largest compact mangrove ecosystem in India, this is one of the few evergreen repository of mangrove vegetation in the world, and is home to over 60 varieties. The most amazing are pneumatophores, or breathing roots, reason enough to visit. Spot crocodiles, king cobra, pythons, and the rare and precious white crocodile. Best time to visit is October to June; for permission call Divisional Forest Officer.Tel: (06729) 272 460Konark Dance FestivalHeld in December in the beautiful backdrop of the Sun temple in Konark, this is the venue of a joyous festival of classical dance and music, which is held annually on December. A host of celebrated dancers from all over the country perform in the open-air auditorium. The festival is a celebration of the much appreciated Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhau Dance--a lavish feast for the eyes and ears.

Olive Ridley Turtles One of the smallest species of sea turtle, these are a highly threatened species and can be seen on the Giharmatha beach every year from January to March, when the turtles come en masse for nesting. About 120 km from Bhubaneswar

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